Dear Incarnation Family and Friends,
Earlier this week, I learned that my uncle suffered a major stroke. It was a shock to our family, as most strokes are, and the next morning I showed up to Incarnation’s virtual Tuesday Morning Prayer service with red eyes and a runny nose. As people popped into the Zoom room one-by-one, the tears started flowing again. Being in community, even over a screen, felt like a warm embrace.
While I normally officiate this service, I couldn’t choke out the Opening Sentences. So our Senior Warden graciously took over. My level of participation throughout the service was up and down, and sometimes I just had to listen. It reminded me of a parishioner who had COVID when the pandemic first hit. She was so weak that she couldn’t speak or even sit up. But Zooming into that Morning Prayer service was a lifeline for her. I understood because, like her, I felt completely ministered to in that moment.
As you likely know, it’s impossible for people to speak in unison over Zoom, so any attempt results in a discordance of voices. That discordance was music to my ears. The sound of voices of people I love, the words of Scripture, the invocation of God’s name. It all took me deeper into my lament, deeper into solace, deeper into praise. My heart was so full it could burst.
A similar thing happens with Holy Week. This most holy season of the church year takes us to a place of lament and praise in the context of Christian community. Will you go there with me?
You may experience sorrow and joy at the same time, or grief and gratitude mixed together. You may even emerge on Easter Day feeling shiny and new, like a “new creation” in the words of St. Paul. One thing is for sure. Entering into the story of Jesus’ passion and resurrection through worship will move you. It will move US – closer to one another and closer to our God who redeems and restores.
Adrian+